Texoma Bride Guide | Issue 008 | Winter/Spring 2021

CEREMONY
PLANNING
CEREMONY ORDER
The basic order of events can be applied to almost any ceremony, but you may want to add
or take away any elements that don’t fit your wedding vision. We recommend including your
officiant in the planning of your ceremony, as they will know more about what is practical.
Prelude: It is customary to have music play as your guests begin to arrive for the ceremony.
Processional: This is a fancy word for special guests and the wedding party entering the
church to take their place. This usually concludes with the entrance of the bride.
Greeting: The wedding officiant will usually say a few words to welcome your guests, remind
them to turn off their cell phones, and thank them for coming.
Address or Homily: This is the time for your officiant to share personal details about you and
your fiancé, or for a sermon if you’re having a church wedding.
Declaration of Intent: This is the only legally required aspect of the ceremony. The officiant
will ask you to take your fiancé as your legally wedded partner, and you will answer with “I
do”, or “I will”, or something to that effect.
Unity Ritual: If you want to include a special ceremony signify your bond, this is a good time
to do so. You could also do this after exchanging rings, if that would suit your vision.
Exchanging of the Vows: This is where you recite your personal vows, or repeat after the
officiant using traditional wording.
Exchanging of the Rings: These vows are different than the above vows, but are usually very
short and done “repeat-after-me” style.
YOU CAN’T LEGALLY GET MARRIED
WITHOUT A LICENSE
While planning your wedding can
be fun with things like cake tastings,
dance lessons and finding the perfect
entertainment, there are some
strings attached to tying the knot
Understanding the ins and outs getting
your marriage license is just as important
as picking out linens or finding the
perfect dress.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from
the county clerk’s office and presented
to your officiant prior to the beginning
of your wedding ceremony. Following
the ceremony, the officiant fills out the
license, and asks the witnesses, usually
the maid of honor and best man, to sign
it. Some officiants will file the license for
you at the courthouse, or you will have
to do it yourself. Once the license is filed
and processed, you will receive your
marriage certificate.
The cost, requirements, and validity
varies between Oklahoma and Texas, but
you don’t have to be a resident of either
state to get married there. Be sure to
research the state’s marriage license
requirements where you will be getting
married so that you understand the
time-lines and associated costs.
photo by Cromer & Co
Closing Remarks and Declaration: The officiant may offer a blessing, a benediction, or piece
of advice before declaring that you’re married and announcing the kiss.
Recessional: The opposite of the processional, this is a fancy word for everybody leaves the
church, and heads to the party!
GRAYSON COUNTY, TEXAS
100 W Houston, Suite 17, Sherman
(903) 813-4283
COOKE COUNTY, TEXAS
216 West Pecan Street, Gainesville
(940) 668-5420
FANNIN COUNTY, TEXAS
800 E. 2nd Street, Bonham
(903) 583-7486
LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS
119 North Main, Paris
(903) 737-2420
WICHITA COUNTY, TEXAS
900 7th St, Room 250, Wichita Falls
(940) 766-8100
BRYAN COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
402 W Evergreen St #C1, Durant
(580) 924-1446
CARTER COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
20 B St SW #203, Ardmore
(580) 223-5253
JOHNSTON COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
403 W Main St #101, Tishomingo
(580) 371-3184
LOVE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
405 West Main, #203, Marietta
(580) 276-3059
MARSHALL COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
219 Plaza, Madill
(580) 795-3220
Arielle Humphries Photography
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